FLORENCE, Ala. – University of North Alabama freshman Tori Peden became a part of the university’s history yesterday, when she was presented the single largest endowed scholarship award in the university’s 180-year history. Peden is the first recipient of the Edward Fennel Mauldin Scholarship, which will award $10,000 annually to a student and is renewable for up to five years.

“Ed Mauldin was a very important and very influential person in this community, and we are grateful to his family for honoring his life in this way,” said Dr. William G. Cale Jr., UNA president. “His legacy will live on through students like Tori, who will have the opportunity for a college education because of this endowed scholarship.”

Peden was selected for the Edward Fennel Mauldin Scholarship from among first-generation college students from Lauderdale, Colbert, Lawrence, Franklin, Morgan or Limestone counties who demonstrate financial need.

Peden, from Lauderdale County, graduated in May as one of the top 10 students in her class from Rogers High School in Green Hill. She plans to major in nursing.

Mauldin was a successful farmer, banker and community leader, serving as a partner in Preuit and Mauldin Farms, Gin and the International Harvester Dealership in Town Creek, Ala. He was also chairman and CEO of Bank of Leighton, First Colbert Bank and First Colbert National Bank. Mauldin organized The Bank of Florence in 1975 and, seven years later, merged it with First Colbert National Bank to become Bank Independent. Mauldin served as chairman of Bank Independent until his death last March.

For information on creating an endowed scholarship at UNA, contact Alan Medders, vice president for advancement, at 256-765-5018 or agmedders@una.edu, or Missy Pettus, endowed scholarships coordinator, at 256-765-4757 or rmpettus@una.edu.